I’ve said it before, but I really think that music can pretty much solve all of your problems, regardless of what’s going on in your day to day. But Punk music… Man punk music can propel you into another realm and I swear empower you to take on the whole flipping world! I’m getting fired up. Because sometimes even Friday (actually especially Friday) can feel ridiculously long and you can feel the angst building up inside you to the point where you’re two seconds away from banging your head on your desk. BUT, before you redistribute the contents of your desk onto the floor, remember you need that crap on Monday, and it’s going to be embarrassing when you just have to bend down and pick up the packet of paper clips you just threw in protest of the patriarchy. Here’s the first in a series of genre specific playlists to get you through even the longest of long days. This week? (of course) Punk forever, patriarchy never.
Bikini Kill – Rebel Girl
The patriarchy is a pretty big theme for me, and has been for quite a while. Bikini Kill, lead so fearlessly by the ever wonderful Kathleen Hanna, were pioneers for sticking it to the man. I was tossing up between ‘Double Dare Ya’ and ‘Rebel Girl’ but you can’t go past the original anthem.
Sid Vicious – My Way (Cover)
I can’t even properly quantify the amount of delicious irony contained in one song. Sid did just as Sid does and took a classic Frank Sinatra track and literally ripped it to shreds. Just before you push all the papers off your desk, put this on first. Or, better yet, play it in the background as you do so.
The Clash – I Fought the Law
Sometimes you just need to remember your battles are a little bigger than you. Especially when you’re stuck in an office all day. It’s also better to learn from other people’s mistakes too. The law will get ya, doesn’t mean you can’t rebel though.
Beastie Boys – No Sleep till Brooklyn
Angst and frustration come in all sorts of forms. See back when you were a teenager, you were fighting with your parents, and it was kind of ok to storm out and slam the door and blast it all away on your stereo. But when you’re an adult, and start going to work to afford luxuries like food and water I personally wouldn’t recommend storming out or slamming any doors. Just chuck your headphones on, and slam this tune instead. Patriarchy never, party forever
X-Ray Spex – On Bondage! Up Yours!
The first time I heard this song, I finally came to the realisation that I’d be a punk kid forever. To anyone that says girls should be seen and not heard, well… Up Yours.
Sleater-Kinney – Dig Me Out
Yes. Sleater-Kinney are my favourite band, ya got me. BUT, bias aside, this track is pretty well guaranteed to have you air drumming and metaphorically air kicking, head banging and guitar swinging around the office. It beats the adult contemporary crap you heard in the lift this morning.
Sonic Youth – Kool Thing
I can’t even begin to explain just how incredible Kim Gordon is, so I won’t. But Sonic Youth will help you take charge of your day again and catapult you into the weekend with an unprecedented force.
The Living End – Prisoner of Society
“Because I’m a brat, and I know everything and I talk back”. Need I say more?
Green Day – Basket Case
It’s probably not possible to pack any more teenage angst into one song. Sometimes we just need someone to listen as we complain about our lives. Otherwise before you know it, you’ll be buying a tie and dying your hair black and bringing back the fringe. Before you go to the extremes, crank this. Billie Joe has the time I’m sure.
